May Bea Arthur’s memory be a blessing

As most of you probably already know, Jewish actress-feminist-animal rights activist Bea Arthur died this past weekend on Saturday, April 25.

I'd like to take a moment here to recognize the brassy, outspoken leading lady, who changed the face of television/American culture with her ground-breaking role as smart & sassy liberated lady "Maude," and later once again smashed stereotypes as still-hip older lady, Dorothy Zbornik on "Golden Girls."

Arthur, born in 1922 NYC, got her first big break as Yente the Matchmaker in the 1964 Broadway premiere of "Fiddler on the Roof." Not bad for the slightly awkward daughter of two Jewish shopkeepers. She later went on to star in Woody Allen's "The Floating Lightbulb" (which incidentally is now being performed at the Traveling Jewish Theatre).

Despite many other gigs on stage, screen and small screen, Arthur will be remembered most as Maude and Dorothy. At least by this grieving Jewish journalist. I studied her role as Maude in my college women's studies courses and I, like many children of the 1980s, spent many a morning laughing through reruns "Golden Girls."

Here's to you Ms. Arthur. May your memory be a blessing.

Comments

Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

In order to post a comment, you must first log in.
Are you looking for user registration? Or have you forgotten your password?